The World's Symbolism; Nature Voices and Other Voices - Andrew Joseph Ambauen

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 edition. Excerpt: ...LINDEN AND THE APPLE TREE--THE SHOWY, BUT NIGGARDLY RICH AND THE CHARITABLE POOR Take the linden and the apple-tree: the former spreads its branches in every direction, and makes the most agreeable shelter, while the flowers it produces are most delightful to behold; yet it is but a barren tree that will never bring forth fruit. On the other hand, the apple-tree makes far less show, but it produces thou sands of sweet apples. Whence comes the difference? The linden is nice to look at, but it spends all the sap and nourishment it gets from the earth on its leaves and branches; while the apple-tree keeps it all for the fruit alone. There is the same difference among men. Some are rich and delight to show off their wealth; their clothing glitters with gold and silver; they eat and drink of the best every day; but little or none of the fruit of Christian charity is to be found in them. On the other hand, there are poor laborers who have to work hard for their daily bread, and who nevertheless are as generous as they can be towards the poor. What is the cause of this difference? The former use up all their sap in producing leaves; that is, in useless expense, while the latter, with the little they have, bring forth the fruit of charity.--Francis H umolt. LITTLE FOXES--VENIAL SIN The Lord says: "Catch the little foxes that destroy the vines." ( Cant., 2:15.) He does not tell us to catch the lions or the bears, but the little foxes. Lions and bears strike terror, and therefore all are careful to keep at a distance through fear of being devoured by them; but the little foxes, though they do not excite dismay, destroy the vine by drying up its roots. Grievous sin terrifies the timorous soul; but, if she accustom herself to the...